Auburn anthropologist Arianne Gaetano awarded Fulbright for research in Taiwan

7/15/2025

The College of Liberal Arts proudly announces that Arianne Gaetano, associate professor and director of the anthropology program, has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious award, granted by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Program, will support Gaetano’s research in Taiwan.

Fulbright Scholar Awards are among the most competitive and distinguished fellowships in academia, offering U.S. faculty and professionals opportunities to teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbright Scholars play a vital role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and advancing global scholarship.

"I am honored to be selected for a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award and as a visiting research fellow in the College of Liberal Arts at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan," said Gaetano.

A cultural anthropologist, Gaetano’s work has focused on social transformation in contemporary China, with particular attention to gender, social mobility, and inequality. Her book “Out to Work: Migration, Gender, and the Changing Lives of Rural Women in Contemporary China” drew on a decade of fieldwork and provided in-depth analysis of the experiences of rural Chinese women navigating urban migration. Her recent projects explore changing norms around singlehood, marriage, and family urban China, as well as the circumstances of Asian international students in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work frequently involves undergraduate researchers, exemplifying her commitment to inclusive, engaged scholarship.

During her Fulbright tenure in Taiwan, Gaetano will continue to advance her research while building international connections that benefit both her field and Auburn University. The award not only recognizes her scholarly contributions but also enhances the university’s global presence and commitment to cross-cultural engagement.

Tags: Faculty Anthropology